AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She released her grip and shifted in his arms until they faced Daniel’s burial plot together. “I still cannot believe it. I keep expecting him to jump out and frighten me.”
“He did love to give you a start. So did that rascal of a brother of yours. Two peas in a pod, that pair.”
Nicholas chuckled, the light rumble from his chest rippling against her back. She turned to him, pleased he could rejoice in the familial relationship among them all. No greater truth had been spoken. Laurence and Daniel. Their brothers. She had never before known a more compatible duo.
He kissed her forehead and released her, glancing around the cemetery as if he too thought Daniel might appear. His gaze rested on the mausoleum that dominated the graveyard. It was a monolithic, classical structure, built ten years ago when Lady Woodfield had died. A frown creased his brow.
“Why is Daniel not with Mother?” Nicholas asked. “She adored him. They should be together.”
“I don’t know. I am not privy to your father’s decision-making. I was not even allowed to attend his service.” It was difficult to keep the bitterness from her tone.
“You were not allowed?” His brows relaxed. “No, of course not. It is not a realm for women, is it? I regret I was not here to insist upon your presence. Goodbyes are important.”
He reached out and swiped a gloved thumb along her cheek. His sympathy would be her ruin.
She concentrated on the somber limestone. “Daniel hated being cooped up. Loved to be outside. This is more fitting. He can hear the howl of wind and the patter of rain. He will smell the roses when they bloom.”
“Ah, always the romantic, my Catherine. You see poetry even in this lonely tomb. Come, let us leave this melancholy for a time and see me home. Father is not expecting me until the end of the month, so it shall be a surprise.”
She stopped. “You’ve not been to the house?”
His eyes darkened to indigo. “I have seen too much death over the last few years not to accept its heavy hand, but I must confess, I am struggling with Daniel’s. I found I had to see for myself that my brother truly had been put to his rest before I saw Father. I left Taurus at the stables and climbed directly up here.”
He reached for her, and she could not resist the lure.
“It was the mercy of the angels that led you here today to comfort me in this validation of Daniel’s death. Come.” He tugged her hand, and she obediently followed him out the gate and down the worn path toward the manse.
“It was no small feat to manage. I was torn by my obligation to my men and by my duty to Father. That aside, applications had to be made to see it through,” Nicholas explained as they strolled hand in hand.
He slipped easily into conversation with her, sharing as though she was a comrade and not…not what? What was she? What had she ever been? What would she become?
“…Father’s influence was absolutely critical. I have no doubt I’d still be on the continent if not for his connections. Still, the timing is awkward, and I return with no end of guilt.”
She’d missed his explanation. No matter. Soon he would not share confidences. Not when he found out. She needed to tell him before anyone else had a chance.
“Nicholas,” she began but faltered.
“Well, home at last.” He pulled his gaze from the tall columns of the portico and stared at her as if seeing her fully for the first time. “Oh, Catherine, you dress in full mourning. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you are wearing widow’s weeds.”
Her eyes welled, his sad face blurring. “Nicholas…”
He pulled her close, kissing the top of her head. “You do him honor to mourn him so. I do not deserve so loving a woman.”
She could say nothing. How could she? She inhaled deeply, memorizing his scent, wondering if he would ever allow her near him again.
“Come.” He held her back, at arm’s length. “Let’s go see Father.”
“No.” She would not give that old man the chance to slay her again. Not that she could tell Nicholas that. “This is your time with your family.” She touched his cheek, knowing it would be the last intimate touch afforded her. “Please forgive me.” His brow furrowed in question.
She spun around and ran down the sweep until she was around the bend and out of sight. Only then did she slow her walk, trying to catch her shortened breath as she cut off the main drive to the path that led to her father’s estate. Crossing the footbridge at the base of the smaller of the two lakes that bordered their properties, she paused. Woodfield Park sat on a hill in the distance, and the pavilion rooftops of the new entrance and library were visible over the crest of the trees. It was hard to believe Nicholas was here. Four long years and he was finally home.
“Please forgive me,” she whispered again, then turned away from the home she would never share with him, to resume her lonely existence at Stratton Hall.
